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Berkshire Hathaway’s 6 Largest Non-Insurance Companies

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway holdings company is one of the largest companies in the world. In addition to holding shares in numerous different companies, Berkshire Hathaway actually owns all or a majority in more than 60 different companies spanning dozens of different industries. While many of its holdings are in the insurance business, there are many others which are just as large (or larger) but often overshadowed by Berkshire’s enormous presence in the insurance and reinsurance industry.

Warren Buffet often refers to these six behemoths as the Powerhouse Six, and while some of them have been a part of Berkshire for years, one was only added in 2016. And, of course, they span across several industries. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Berkshire Hathaway is a conglomerate of the various different energy and utility corporations that Berkshire has purchased over the years. It adopted the name Berkshire Hathaway Energy in 2014 and is made up of dozens of companies spanning eleven states in America as well as two other countries. Its portfolio was worth around $84 billion in 2016.

Facts:

Originally founded in: 1971

Part of Berkshire since: 2000

Employees: 20,403

Headquarters: Des Moines, Iowa

2. BNSF

one of the largest railroads in the country, BNSF is made up of around 390 different railroad lines including the Northern Pacific, Frisco, Burlington Northern Inc., and the Santa Fe Pacific Corp, to name a few. The company hauls coal, grain, petroleum, and other products and commodities. It has around 32,500 miles of track and covers much of the United States as well as parts of Canada and Mexico.

Facts:

Originally founded in: 1849

Part of Berkshire since: 2010

Employees: 42,000

Headquarters: Fort Worth, Texas

3. Precision Castparts

One of the newest purchases by Berkshire Hathaway, this company specializes in creating complex metal components and products such as pipes, fasteners, castings, forgings, and more. Many of its products are made for the aerospace and utility industries. The company owns 13 production plants in the United States alone and also has plants abroad in around 12 countries. This company is the most recently added of the Powerhouse Six, and at the time was the largest purchase by Berkshire Hathaway.

Facts:

Originally founded in: 1949

Part of Berkshire since: 2016

Employees: 30,651

Headquarters: Portland, Oregon

4. International Metalworking Cos.

International Metalworking Cos, formerly known as Iscar Metalworking Cos., makes and sells metal-cutting tools through various different brands and franchises. The company has an international presence and has factories, warehouses, and sales offices in more than 60 countries across three continents.

Facts:

Originally founded in: 1952

Part of Berkshire since: 2006

Employees: 12,120

Headquarters: Tefen, Israel

5. Lubrizol Corp

This corporation is the world’s largest maker of additives for engine oil, fuel, and other lubricants for industries and products including pharmaceuticals, plastics, personal care products, and more. It has manufacturing facilities not only in the United States, but also in China. Its products are sold or used in more than 100 countries.

Facts:

Originally founded in: 1928

Part of Berkshire since: 2011

Employees: 8,753

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio

6. Marmon Group

This industrial holdings company has four primary divisions: Energy Services, Engineered Components, Retail & Highway Technologies, and the Food, Beverage & Water Technologies division. Together, they control around 185 manufacturing and service businesses, including a railcar fleet. The company had a total revenue of $8 billion in 2015.

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